Archives for October 2013

A new online shop for handmade goods (and Friday links!)

October 4, 2013

When it comes to gift-giving, I try to seek out handmade goods crafted by independent artists and designers. There are so many beautifully handcrafted products available online nowadays — if you know where to look.

I received an email this week announcing that Umba Box, a monthly subscription box of handmade goods, is now simply Umba. I’m intrigued by the rebrand. Rather than becoming yet another online marketplace, Umba is focusing on creating a two-sided equation of empowerment: artists can market their products and sell directly to consumers, and Umbassadors (independent consultants) can earn money by hosting online and in-home trunk shows.

Umba’s inaugural collection features hand-selected products reminiscent of cozy fall weekends with the people you love the most. You’ll find wooden toy cameras for your pint-sized photographer, beard oil for your scruffy-faced man, and leather pouches for yourself (or me!).

And here are a couple more links to explore…

From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to scary haunted houses, here’s a running list of Halloween activities in Omaha.

I never did buy that gemstone print for my office (I procrastinated and missed the sale!), so I might have to get this 2014 gem and mineral calendar instead.

My inbox gives me agita, does yours? Here are 7 ways to handle your email more effectively.

One of my favorite people to follow on Twitter, Abby Gardner, is now writing about fashion and beauty for xojane.com. Check her out.

I love Emily Henderson’s style, from the rooms she decorates to the outfits she wears. Here’s how to get her maternity look.

Which makes you more creative — coffee or beer?

And a HUGE congratulations to Lexy, who gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on Wednesday!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Event

October 3, 2013

When Better Homes and Gardens magazine invites you to an exclusive blogger workshop and party in New York City, you don’t say no. Even if the timing isn’t ideal and you’re terribly nervous about attending.

The 2nd annual BHG Stylemaker Event was held on Thursday, September 19th — the same day we were planning to embark on a two-day drive to Buffalo, New York to visit friends. Sadly, we had to reschedule our week-and-a-half long road trip so that I could attend the event, instead deciding to leave a day after I returned and to head straight to Cleveland to see family.

In the days leading up to the workshop and party, I grew increasingly worried that I’d feel out of place among the 49 other bloggers selected from across the country to meet with the editors of Better Homes and Gardens. After all, I’m not a home decorating blogger, nor do I write about food, entertaining, or DIY crafts. What could I bring to the table as a family lifestyle blogger? And what could I get out of it?

Thankfully, Kaelin from BHG, who coordinated the entire event, had my back. Although I was paired with interior design bloggers for the afternoon roundtables, Kaelin pulled me aside during one of the sessions so that I could meet with the magazine’s lifestyle editor and health and features editor. The 45 minutes I spent chatting with Christine and Amy were a highlight of the whole day.

See, long ago I abandoned my dream to become a magazine editor (a decision I regret nearly every day), so freelance writing and blogging have become my roundabout way to connect with the industry. I’m grateful for the opportunity to network with journalists and editors like Christine, Amy, and Ellen, BHG’s fashion and beauty editor, who have the jobs I’d still love to have.

Another highlight was spending time with some amazing bloggers. Although I knew one of my roommates, Sarah, from Alt SLC, I had never met Kirsten or Jeran. Luckily, they were as sweet as could be, and the four of us quickly bonded over dinners out and late night gab sessions about the business of blogging. I was also excited to finally meet Joy in person, who become our honorary fifth roommate on the day of the event when she got ready with us in our hotel room.

It was a treat to see familiar faces like Sheri, Erin, and Michelle at the workshop and party and to meet so many bloggers whose work I’ve admired from afar, including Joni, Kirsten, Ashley, Chelsea, and Lindsey. Could I have pushed myself even further out of my comfort zone to say hello to more people? Of course. Making small talk with strangers is a skill I’m still trying to improve.

P.S. — My green dress (that fit over my 17-week baby bump!) was from Anthropologie, and my watercolor business cards were from Tiny Prints.

Images (except business cards and Snap Smile photos): Avi Gerver Photography

Being Pregnant with Liz from Say Yes to Hoboken

October 2, 2013

Because every woman’s pregnancy is unique, our Being Pregnant series is a way to share a variety of maternity experiences on the blog.

I’m so excited about today’s interview with Liz Stanley of the hugely popular lifestyle blog, Say Yes to Hoboken. Although I don’t know Liz personally, I’ve taken several Alt Summit classes with her, and she’s always delivered on her promise of responding to questions and emails. That earns her an A+ in my book!

It’s rare nowadays for such big bloggers to take the time to reply to their emails — and it’s not like Liz isn’t busy! Besides sharing inspirational ideas for living a stylish and crafty life on Say Yes to Hoboken, Liz is the Managing Editor of Julep and contributes regularly to Babble.

Besides being an all-around Liz Stanley fan, I wanted to speak to Liz about being pregnant because she’s written so honestly about her struggle with secondary infertility. What a thrill that after four years of trying to conceive, she now has a baby on the way!

Liz was 28 weeks pregnant when we spoke. Read on to learn about her pregnancy experience…… READ MORE!

Maternity jackets and winter coats

October 1, 2013

I didn’t spend much money on a maternity wardrobe when I was pregnant with Levi. Since I was working from home as a full-time copywriter, there wasn’t a need to invest in office-appropriate maternity clothing. I was lucky to be able to wear leggings and sweats nearly every day.

Also, with Levi’s early July due date, my bump wasn’t big enough to warrant traditional maternity styles until the warmer spring months — and maternity tees, tanks, and stretchy skirts are much less costly than pants, sweaters, and jackets.

But now that I’ll be in my third trimester during the winter, I have to start considering maternity clothing for cold weather. My sister, who had a baby this past February, generously loaned me a suitcase full of maternity clothing that my mom brought to Omaha on a recent visit. Unfortunately, my little sister is just that — little. She’s 5’3″ and I’m 5’8″, so clothing fits us differently and not everything in that suitcase will flatter my figure.

My sister has a maternity jacket I can borrow, but just in case the sleeves are 3/4-length on me, I’ve been browsing online for winter coats in my size. Here are some of my favorites so far:

1. Isabella Oliver // 2. Seraphine // 3. Gap // 4. Topshop // 5. Old Navy // 6. H&M

// 7. Isabella Oliver // 8. Olian Maternity

P.S. — The first time I went shopping for maternity clothes, and the pregnancy t-shirts I would never wear!

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